Cutting down Tool rest

[Bikerdad]

So, I picked up the PSI Turn Between Centers Mandrel System #2MT, and I'm liking it, a lot. Except for one thing....

I can't get the toolrest up close when turning a short single barrel pen, the rest is too long. I have the Robust 4" and 6" rests, and I also have the Jet stock rest. There's no way I'm going to cut down my Robust rests, but.... I don't even use the Jet rest anymore. So, is there any reason y'all can think of that I shouldn't cut it down, AND is there anything I need to know about cutting cast iron?

Other options would be to make some wee spacers to I can get enough spread, but I'd prefer to keep the pen bushings up against the mandrel shoulders.

 

[Robert Taylor]

I use that system with a Robust 6" rest. I don't understand why you can't get close enough with a 4" rest?

 

[Gary Beasley]

If the jet rest is no bigger than the robust I dont see why not. If it is bigger its a good excuse to buy another robust, either a big robust to replace the cut one or a little one for the pens.
Another option is to get a live center setup that has a longer reach for more room.

 

[Woodster Will]

Good quality cast iron is easy to cut but can have a hard outer skin. It can also have hard "inclusions" that will resist a hacksaw blade so you may need an angle grinder to get through it. I'd start with a hacksaw though, you may be lucky!

 

[Woodchipper]

Pictures??

 

[Herb G]

If you use a 5/8" post, Grizzly sells 6.25" tool rests for $5.50 each.
I have several I cut down to different sizes.
I used a hacksaw with a 24 tpi blade.

 

[Mr Vic]

My Jet tool rest is 4" wide. I paid I think $16 for a second and cut an inch off both ends. I can get in nice and close. just about 1/2"longer then a Wall St II/Sierra blank. Used a cut of wheel cause I had it.

 

[SteveG]

I have used one of a stack of small cut-off wheels used on my rotary tool. Works great on all metals I have tried it on.

 

[nebens]

Rick Herrell makes quality and economical rests to your specifications. I had him make a 3 inch rest that works great with Wall St II and PSI TBC.

 

[RobS]

I second hitting up Rick I have 5 different lengths from him for kitless, for Long Pentel pencils and a host of other stuff.

 

[Herb G]

Forgot to mention, I highly doubt it's cast iron.
Cast iron is extremely fragile & generally not used in tools.
I'll wager it's cast steel instead.

 

[Woodster Will]

Not sure if you guys can get them over there but here in the UK there are two modular rest systems. You buy a suitable sized post then but whatever length rest which screws to the top of the post. Rests seem to range from 3" to 12".

 

[Bikerdad]

Rick Herrell makes quality and economical rests to your specifications. I had him make a 3 inch rest that works great with Wall St II and PSI TBC.

I have his rest with a 9" bar. It's a nice rest, just not suited to me which is why I've already passed over the notion of getting a shorter bar for it. For me, the way I grip the tools, I keep getting interference from the post while I'm traversing the rest, bumpin' me knuckles.